The Debaters

Cameras flash as bright as the smiles
That two candidates have plastered on their faces.
The men on stage smile—mechanically—to
The crowds of onlookers who cheer and wave back.
For a split second—silence—before
The men clasp hands with a grip of steel
In act of goodwill, as it seems to the crowd.
Their eyes exchange threats, which nobody sees.
An unheard bell chimes, and the opponents face
To take part in a fight disguised as debate.
But even the crowd knows the fate of the nation
Depends on one of these two men
Who are really just pawns like everyone else.